Wondering how you can send your students off with a lil’ somethin’ special for the holiday without breaking the bank? If you’re looking to surprise your kids this holiday season with a small token of your teacher affection, TeacherPop has a few suggestions to get you and your students in the giving spirit! Check out these 10 inexpensive gift ideas for students!

Elf Hats

What kid doesn’t want to sport the official hat of Santa’s little helper? These elf hats are sure to be a hit among your students in class and at home this holiday season.

“Our first graders come to school every day with never-ending questions about the world,” says Teach For America corps member Alexandra Harper (Phoenix ’16). “Their curiosity and desire to learn has no boundaries.”

Ms. Harper works hard to inspire a curiosity in science among her students from Pioneer Preparatory School in Phoenix, Arizona. During the course of the school year, her kids will learn about the human body, nutrition, and even astronomy. Though her students are able to take part in a variety of engaging projects, Ms. Harper acknowledges that when it comes to instilling a lifelong love of science among her students, hands-on, interactive exposure to science and STEM is critical.

If you consider yourself an easygoing teacher, you may be wondering how you can be both “easygoing” and “firm” at the same time. First, it’s important to remember that being firm isn’t a personality trait, but a skill employed to effectively manage a classroom. Being firm when the time calls for it will you allow you to create an environment where your easygoing nature fully supports your students.

For teachers looking to cultivate a firm approach to classroom management while staying true to their laid-back nature, TeacherPop recommends these three tips for learning and student success.

If you’re looking to keep warm and cozy this weekend and catch up on all the teaching-related news from the last two weeks, TeacherPop makes it easy! Check out this latest installment of our bi-weekly teaching-related reads.

“My students are already facing more challenges than most of us can imagine,” says Teach For America corps member Megan Koehnen (Twin Cities ’16). “As the children of immigrants, they are faced with the daunting responsibility of making their parents’ sacrifices worth it.”

Ms. Koehnen’s students at Higher Ground Academy in Saint Paul, Minnesota are often first- and second-generation immigrants from East Africa and have come to the United States with their families in search of better opportunities. They’re also joyous, witty, and energetic, Ms. Koehnen adds, and have a deep interest in science and experimenting in the lab. But exploring their passion for science is limited, however, by a lack of lab equipment and resources.

Happy Cyber Monday, y’all! Now that the last of the leftover turkey and pumpkin pie has been devoured, it’s time to open up those browsers and start crossing a few items off your holiday shopping list.

TeacherPop has scoured the web for some of the best Cyber Monday deals, especially for teachers on budget, so whether you’re shopping for your friends, family, or looking to treat yourself with something special, these awesome discounts will help you kick off the holiday shopping season in style!

The students at Garfield Elementary School in Oakland, California face many barriers to academic success. Despite these challenges, they show up to school each day ready to succeed.

“The weight that many of my students carry on their shoulders is far beyond what any six-year-old should have to handle,” says their teacher, Teach For America alum Roya Bazaei (Bay Area ’12). “But still, 24 bubbly faces bounce into my classroom each morning, ready and eager to learn.”

As you look forward to Thanksgiving break and spending time with friends and loved ones, gratitude and expressing your appreciation for the positive things in life are top of mind. But how do you bring that dedicated time for reflection into your life beyond Thanksgiving? Here are seven ways to adopt a daily gratitude practice.

1. Hand-write a note of appreciation to someone who supports your life at home or school.

2. Post pictures of daily gratitudes on Instagram.

3. Write a nightly list of 2-3 positive events that happened during the day.